During the execution of the suspended sentence with protective supervision, the probation officers monitor the freedom of the probationers and their compliance with the sanction obligations, and assist them in re-socialization and re-integration within the community aiming at desistance from further criminal behavior and reduction of the recidivism. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the role of motivation and the relationship between probationer and probation officer on the execution of the sanction and probationers' rehabilitation. The research sought to cover both, the perspectives of the probationers and their probation officers. Focus groups with convenience samples of probation officers (N=8) and offenders (N=12) were conducted. The results showed that probationers are compliant in executing sanction, but they are mostly instrumentally motivated by fear of prison and do not percieve sanction in the context of rehabilitation. However, during the sanction execution there is a noticed change in motivation. Reasons are mostly insight into the sanction execution benefits and usefulness for the quality of life, changes in officer – probationer relationship, and and occurence of important life events. Probation officers pointed out that realization of a quality professional relationship requires investment in trust. And that this relationship should encouraging cooperation, better interactions and acceptance in order to achieve the empowerment of probationers in changing behavior and lifestyle. Probation officers encourage offenders to make changes that will strength their social capital, teach them skills and how to overcome problems, as well as ancourage and empower probetioners to take responsibility for their past and future decisions and actions.